Veterans Disability Lawsuit - How to File a Veterans Disability Lawsuit

For many veterans who suffer from disabilities due to their military service, a veterans disability lawsuit may be the answer. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans, including medical care and programs for veterans.

According to a lawsuit filed on Monday, Black veterans have disproportionately more trouble obtaining these benefits. The suit was filed on behalf of Conley Monk Jr. by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic.

PTSD

If someone experiences trauma, it can cause them to develop symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These symptoms could include anxiety, nightmares or flashbacks that cause anxiety. The condition may also cause someone to avoid certain locations or situations that remind them of the trauma. This could lead to isolation and depression. The good news is that PTSD can be treated with counseling and medication as well as the support of family members.

A lawsuit that was filed by Black veterans and a Yale law clinic has found that the Department of Veterans Affairs has been systematically denying disability compensation claims to Black veterans for decades. NPR's Quil Lawrence claims that a whistleblower has told the veterans that VA internal documents show Black veterans were more often denied benefits than white veterans disability lawsuits.

The lawsuit was filed by Marine Vietnam veteran Conley monk and Yale's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. The lawsuit cites statistics that show that from 2001 until 2020, the rate of rejection for Black disability claims was 29.5 percent, compared to 24.2% for white veterans.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for Monk and other Black veterans who were denied access to benefits. The lawsuit also seeks to force VA to review tens of thousands of other claims which were wrongly denied. The lawsuit was filed in federal court this week.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms can be immediate or develop hours, days or even weeks later. Some of the symptoms are physical (headache fatigue, dizziness and headache) while others include problems with memory focus, emotions, or behavior. TBI patients may also experience problems with movement or vision and balance.

The brain damage caused by a TBI can be caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head or a blow that is a blunt force or a penetrating injury (such as from a bullet). The impact can result in a skull fracture, which may cause bleeding and bruising of the brain within the skull. The brain can expand and press against the skull, causing blood circulation. The injury may affect the entire brain, or a specific area of the brain.

Certain TBIs are classified as open, while others are closed. The classification depends on whether the skull has been fractured or not and whether the skull was closed or opened due to the impact. TBIs differ in severity, from concussions up to fatal coma. People suffering from TBI are at greater risk of developing depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions. Research suggests that having multiple moderate to severe TBIs could increase the chance of developing dementia and movement issues in later life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that occurs when a person experiences a trauma. Symptoms may appear immediately after the incident or a few years later. They may include memory issues difficulties in concentrating and sleeping, feelings of anger and irritability, and being easily scared or jittery. Some people might be depressed or have suicidal thoughts. The PTSD condition can cause issues at work, with relationships, and at home. It can also lead to alcohol or drug addiction.

Symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, including eye movements desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) or cognitive processing therapy. Antidepressants such as selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) can be beneficial for those suffering from PTSD. The medication helps to manage symptoms and make daily activities easier.

Some research is exploring how to prevent PTSD, including looking at whether genes or the brain can affect a person's response to a trauma. Other studies are looking at how a normal stress response transforms into PTSD and how to treat it before it becomes a problem.

If you suspect PTSD It is essential to seek out a medical professional. Symptoms that interfere with everyday life, like difficulties getting along with others, or feeling angry or irritable should be addressed immediately. Certain people suffering from PTSD can benefit from self-help techniques, such as discussing their experiences in therapy or practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or rhythmic exercise. They also benefit from being able share their fears with a trusted person.

Depression

Depression is a condition that can cause feelings of despair and sadness. It can be treated through psychotherapy, which is the process of talking with a therapist about the issues which are causing you issues. It may also include medication, which can help boost your mood. There are many types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which aids to change negative thoughts and behaviors as well as interpersonal therapy, which is focused on your relationship. There are group therapy options that bring people suffering from similar conditions together in a supportive atmosphere.

The lawsuit claims that the VA has discriminated against Black veterans for veterans disability lawyers a long time, by rejecting disability compensation claims at a higher rate than white veterans. It was filed on behalf of Conley Monk who was who is a Vietnam War veteran who tried to access medical benefits including housing assistance, education and benefits for the past 50 years. The lawsuit is being filed by Yale Law School's Veterans Legal Services Clinic. Monk was represented in his successful effort to overturn his less-than-honorable military discharge due to PTSD and other injuries.

The lawsuit says that racial discrimination in the justice system of the military affected the discharge status of a number of Black service members and VA officials should have been aware this when they made decisions regarding disability compensation. The lawsuit cites a study that discovered that between 2001 and 2020, the average rate of denial for Black veterans Disability lawyers who applied to receive disability compensation was 29,5% compared with 24,2 percent for white veterans disability attorneys.